Afenyo-Markin's conduct at vetting of Mahama's ministers ignites conversations on social media

The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, appears to be gradually finding his footing and carving out a role for himself as a provocative figure, effectively carrying out his duties as an opposition leader.

During the Appointment Committee's ministerial vetting of President John Dramani Mahama’s nominees for the Ministry of Finance, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and the Ministry of Energy, Afenyo-Markin took the spotlight with his frequent interjections and tendency to find fault.

One of the key moments during the vetting was when the lawmaker was cautioned by the chairman of the committee after he used the platform to effectively hold a press conference and voice his side’s grievances regarding President Mahama’s ministerial nominations.

Additionally, he led his caucus members on the committee in staging a brief walkout due to reported disagreements with the chairman. They later returned for the continuation of the vetting.

His behavior appears to have sparked mixed reactions on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).

Netizens have shared divided opinions about the Minority Leader’s role, with some critics strongly disapproving of his behavior during his tenure, both in Parliament—where he has kept the Majority on their toes—and at the ministerial vetting.

Critics have expressed concern, suggesting that the lawmaker may have deliberately displayed such behavior in an attempt to frustrate the National Democratic Congress caucus on the Appointments Committee.

They argue that his behavior was unnecessary, warning that his actions could potentially harm the NPP and have a negative impact.

On the other hand, some critics have praised Afenyo-Markin, describing his actions as a demonstration of him effectively performing his duties. Some believe he is well-suited to lead the opposition side in Parliament, given how he managed to be provocative during the ministerial vetting.

Read some of the tweets below:

Hon. Afenyo Markin understands this minority leader job very well.
— Dr. George (@GeorgeAnagli) January 13, 2025

Afenyo Markin is the new K.T Hammond. I'm not sure Npp has the men. If they do,this guy wouldn't have been a minority leader. Cos what's this?
— Lady Pearl ❤️🩺 (@Ladyemmy_) January 13, 2025

I think Afenyo Markin’s tactic in this Parliament is to be disruptive. Very disrespectful. Perhaps, he thinks he’s doing it to please his supporters but he’s become downright irritating.
— H. specter (@harry_specter) January 13, 2025

You don’t actually need many MPs to cook.. you just need an Afenyo-markin.. saa man no w’abodam roff!
— Kwadwo Sheldon (@kwadwosheldon) January 13, 2025

Hon Afenyo Markin is very efffective at the minority bench. I hope he sits on that side for 20 more years.
— Dr. Samuel Sesah (@samuel_sesah) January 13, 2025

Hon. Afenyo-Markin knows his job tooo well😂🔥
— KALYJAY (@gyaigyimii) January 13, 2025

Afenyo-Markin will lead NPP to pantang.
— Che🇬🇭 (@CheEsquire) January 13, 2025

Afenyo Markin is really deliberately provoking the gentle and calm Armah-Kofi Buah.

I think he chairman needs to be firm. pic.twitter.com/NZUaTgPQQ3
— COMRADE SHARP (@ComradeSharp) January 13, 2025

Afenyo-Markin seems to be enjoying the opposition
— KALYJAY (@gyaigyimii) January 13, 2025

The biggest winner of today’s vetting wasn’t any of the ministers gathered but Afenyo-Markin.

He provoked everyone for all the right reasons a minority leader should do
— Chleo-Patra A. Azantilow (@AzantilowPatra) January 13, 2025